I am a student minoring in Women’s Studies so section 25 of the Doctrine and Covenants really strikes a familiar chorus with my current interests. This section is a revelation from Jesus Christ to Emma, His daughter.He counsels her in various ways and many of the commands that He gives opens the mind of a woman’s role in the 1830’s.I feel that I can relate with this revelation in many ways because I too am a woman and I feel that I have a purpose to fulfill other than just take care of my family and raise children.
My first memorable encounter with this passage was at the end of my mission. I had served my Savior for about 18 months and was enjoying the spiritual environment of the Celestial Room in the Washington DC Temple. I said a prayer asking Heavenly Father to help me know what He would have me do when I arrived home and no longer had the responsibility of being a full-time missionary. Immediately after praying, I opened the scriptures to this chapter and began reading. I inserted my name in place of hers and applied it to my life. I love how Jesus Christ refers to Emma as His daughter and then as an “elect lady” I believe that phrase is special because women have a tendency to downplay themselves, and Christ’s reference to a woman in that context shows just how much He loves women and knows of their special nature and role. I found a lot of comfort in the next verse also which states, “Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me for a time to come.” This applied to me while I was on my way home because I had a lot of trials awaiting me when I arrived home. My family was experiencing various problems and I had been preserved from being around that while on my mission. I felt I could relate to Emma because she was always experiencing some kind of grief and heartache for various reasons, much of which she did not understand. Her example of strength and endurance helped me through my transition and I was able to handle the changes with much less murmur.
I find this to be applicable in everyday life also because we will never know the future. We do not have the wisdom that God has and we will never fully know what to expect. In response to that, we can either murmur and be upset, or trust in God and allow Him to guide us through the unknown journey of life. I believe that life is much more enjoyable when we choose to accept our lives for what they are and be happy despite the challenges that may seem unbearable. Emma is such a great example of female leadership in the church. She is the woman that paved the way for all female leadership in a time when female leadership roles were unheard of in not only religion, but most everything in the United States. I know that Heavenly Father placed Emma where she needed to be so that we can look up to her for the efforts that she made and the role she played in leading the women of the Lords true church.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Articles and Covenants
Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants has been titled as the "Articles and Covenants". This section discusses various topics that are relevant to the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It begins by giving a brief history of Joseph's spiritual help in obtaining, protecting, translating, and bringing forth of the Book of Mormon. Next this section describes the creation of Adam and Eve, their fall, the need for an Atonement and the role of Jesus Christ. After teaching of the need to repent and follow the steps of appropriate baptism, it goes on to explain the duties of the different priesthood callings. This section also provides the exact phrase that is accepted by God to perform baptisms and bless the sacrament, which is a renewal of the covenants made at baptism.
I found it very interesting that after this revelation had been given, God commanded the missionaries to bring a copy of it with them as they shared the gospel with others. It makes sense that when establishing new branches, the leaders would need a handbook of instructions to help them know how to set up Jesus Christ's church in the way He would have them do it.
Something that impresses me about the church is how the Lord went about organizing it. I have learned from the few business classes I have taken that there are certain things to do when organizing a business that can easily be franchised. One thing is that the job descriptions need to be laid out so anyone can that fills the position can understand their duty. This is done in Section 20. That is just one example of many business tactics that are easily found in the Doctrine and Covenants. Jesus Christ is not only our Redeemer and example of a variety of virtues, but He is also the greatest CEO! I love Him and learn so much from His great example everyday!
I found it very interesting that after this revelation had been given, God commanded the missionaries to bring a copy of it with them as they shared the gospel with others. It makes sense that when establishing new branches, the leaders would need a handbook of instructions to help them know how to set up Jesus Christ's church in the way He would have them do it.
Something that impresses me about the church is how the Lord went about organizing it. I have learned from the few business classes I have taken that there are certain things to do when organizing a business that can easily be franchised. One thing is that the job descriptions need to be laid out so anyone can that fills the position can understand their duty. This is done in Section 20. That is just one example of many business tactics that are easily found in the Doctrine and Covenants. Jesus Christ is not only our Redeemer and example of a variety of virtues, but He is also the greatest CEO! I love Him and learn so much from His great example everyday!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
"a marvelous work is about to come forth..."
What do you do when you desire something? Or, another question to ask yourself is, how do you know that someone is really interested in helping you?
I have pondered these questions recently and feel that I can respond easily. I know that when I really want something I will push as hard as I can until I get it. I try my best to be patient and persistent, and most importantly to trust in God. I have found that often I am blessed by receiving that thing that I most wanted because I put forth a great amount of effort.
I also know that when I am really interested in helping someone I act very differently than when I don't care as much. I will make time in my schedule to do something with them or for them. I will think of them throughout the day. I will talk to others about them and show genuine concern for them. I will attend the events they are involved in. I will help them in whatever way I can.
So, why are these questions important and how do they relate to the Doctrine and Covenants? In Section 4:1, Christ states that "a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men," referring to the Book of Mormon. It is one thing to note that He is excited and informing us of the magnitude of this powerful book, but I want to focus on what He asks us to do with it.
One thing that Christ asks us to do is to serve Him with all of our "heart, might, mind and strength". He also says, "if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work." This brings me back to the first question. What do you do when you desire something? If we have a desire to serve God, how do we prove that desire? Often I wonder, am I acting with as much vigor to obtain the rewards from the desire I have to serve God as I do in the other things I desire in life? Just a thought.
The next thing that sticks out to me is how often Christ mentions sharing the gospel after talking about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. My second questions relates here because if we really have the same concern for helping Christ as we do in helping others, I believe we would be much more anxiously sharing the gospel with others. I am guilty of this as much as the next person. The Book of Mormon has blessed me tremendously! It brings me a sure understanding of truth. It helps me feel peace when I need the comfort of the Holy Spirit. I find answers to my prayers and the questions of my soul. I learn more of the relationship we can have with our Father in Heaven. I improve my understanding of Jesus Christ's role as my Redeemer and Friend. The list continues...
I know that the Book of Mormon is true because of the way it has blessed me in my life. I want to help God share this blessing with the rest of the world in the same way I'd help a good friend in any task he/she asks me to. I commit to do better to "thrust in my sickle with all my might" and help to build the kingdom of God on the earth. I am just one, but one voice can still be heard.
I have pondered these questions recently and feel that I can respond easily. I know that when I really want something I will push as hard as I can until I get it. I try my best to be patient and persistent, and most importantly to trust in God. I have found that often I am blessed by receiving that thing that I most wanted because I put forth a great amount of effort.
I also know that when I am really interested in helping someone I act very differently than when I don't care as much. I will make time in my schedule to do something with them or for them. I will think of them throughout the day. I will talk to others about them and show genuine concern for them. I will attend the events they are involved in. I will help them in whatever way I can.
So, why are these questions important and how do they relate to the Doctrine and Covenants? In Section 4:1, Christ states that "a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men," referring to the Book of Mormon. It is one thing to note that He is excited and informing us of the magnitude of this powerful book, but I want to focus on what He asks us to do with it.
One thing that Christ asks us to do is to serve Him with all of our "heart, might, mind and strength". He also says, "if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work." This brings me back to the first question. What do you do when you desire something? If we have a desire to serve God, how do we prove that desire? Often I wonder, am I acting with as much vigor to obtain the rewards from the desire I have to serve God as I do in the other things I desire in life? Just a thought.
The next thing that sticks out to me is how often Christ mentions sharing the gospel after talking about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. My second questions relates here because if we really have the same concern for helping Christ as we do in helping others, I believe we would be much more anxiously sharing the gospel with others. I am guilty of this as much as the next person. The Book of Mormon has blessed me tremendously! It brings me a sure understanding of truth. It helps me feel peace when I need the comfort of the Holy Spirit. I find answers to my prayers and the questions of my soul. I learn more of the relationship we can have with our Father in Heaven. I improve my understanding of Jesus Christ's role as my Redeemer and Friend. The list continues...
I know that the Book of Mormon is true because of the way it has blessed me in my life. I want to help God share this blessing with the rest of the world in the same way I'd help a good friend in any task he/she asks me to. I commit to do better to "thrust in my sickle with all my might" and help to build the kingdom of God on the earth. I am just one, but one voice can still be heard.
Monday, September 21, 2009
One Hundred and Sixteen Pages LOST!!!
There are a few things that I find interesting about the experiences Joseph Smith had in the event of losing the first translated portion of the gold plates. After praying multiple times about Martin Harris's request to take the first 116 pages of manuscript home to show his wife, Joseph did not receive a direct answer of "no" and allowed him to take them. The Lord was not pleased with Joseph's decision and rebuked him. An account of this rebuke is recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, chapter 3.
I appreciate this chapter because it show Joseph Smith in the early stages of his ministry. He was persuaded by the requests of man and caved when persistent effort was made to disobey his previous revelation. He made a mistake and the Lord chastises him by saying, "you should not have feared man more than God". I think this principle applies to each of us today. How often do we "set at naught the counsels of God" and follow the ways of the world? How often do we seek to please man rather than the Great Creator, our God? I have a testimony that God allows us to make mistakes so that we can learn from them. Here is a perfect example of a mistake that Joseph made where he was able to learn the importance of following the counsel of God before any other person. I believe this had a great impact on him in preparing him for the remainder of his church leadership. He knew from this point on that he could not disregard what had been said by God. No matter what anyone else desired, if it did not align with the dictates of God, their request was not going to be satisfied. I desire to apply this to me life. I know that when I do all I can to follow Heavenly Fathers counsel given to me, I am exceedingly happier than when I give in to the demands of others.
Another interesting point that I discovered in my reading was the fact that after the manuscript had been lost, those who had taken it were making adjustments to the text. Isn't it interesting that they were altering it when they claimed not to believe? Deep inside their hearts they must have known that Joseph would be able to translate the text exactly the same way he had previously. The purpose behind their alterations was to prove to the people that he did not have the power to translate ancient texts. Obviously, they knew he could do it again, or they wouldn't change it. Satan is so sneaky in manipulating the minds of people. The most interesting part is that those who are manipulated have no idea that they are being so irrational and illogical. I find that in our day Satan is still twisting the mindset of others by leading them to fight against the truth by showing that they believe the truth. I encourage those who read this to seek for further examples of this happening today.
I know that Jesus Christ lives today! I know that he always prepares a way to redeem us from our mistakes and the mistakes of others. For that, I am so grateful. The Church of Jesus Christ is the only true church of God on the earth! I know that God knows what is best for each of His children and He will inspire us to make wise choices throughout our lives. It is by satisfying His requests that we will be most happy in this life.
I appreciate this chapter because it show Joseph Smith in the early stages of his ministry. He was persuaded by the requests of man and caved when persistent effort was made to disobey his previous revelation. He made a mistake and the Lord chastises him by saying, "you should not have feared man more than God". I think this principle applies to each of us today. How often do we "set at naught the counsels of God" and follow the ways of the world? How often do we seek to please man rather than the Great Creator, our God? I have a testimony that God allows us to make mistakes so that we can learn from them. Here is a perfect example of a mistake that Joseph made where he was able to learn the importance of following the counsel of God before any other person. I believe this had a great impact on him in preparing him for the remainder of his church leadership. He knew from this point on that he could not disregard what had been said by God. No matter what anyone else desired, if it did not align with the dictates of God, their request was not going to be satisfied. I desire to apply this to me life. I know that when I do all I can to follow Heavenly Fathers counsel given to me, I am exceedingly happier than when I give in to the demands of others.
Another interesting point that I discovered in my reading was the fact that after the manuscript had been lost, those who had taken it were making adjustments to the text. Isn't it interesting that they were altering it when they claimed not to believe? Deep inside their hearts they must have known that Joseph would be able to translate the text exactly the same way he had previously. The purpose behind their alterations was to prove to the people that he did not have the power to translate ancient texts. Obviously, they knew he could do it again, or they wouldn't change it. Satan is so sneaky in manipulating the minds of people. The most interesting part is that those who are manipulated have no idea that they are being so irrational and illogical. I find that in our day Satan is still twisting the mindset of others by leading them to fight against the truth by showing that they believe the truth. I encourage those who read this to seek for further examples of this happening today.
I know that Jesus Christ lives today! I know that he always prepares a way to redeem us from our mistakes and the mistakes of others. For that, I am so grateful. The Church of Jesus Christ is the only true church of God on the earth! I know that God knows what is best for each of His children and He will inspire us to make wise choices throughout our lives. It is by satisfying His requests that we will be most happy in this life.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The Spirit of God!
Tonight I had a great experience. I went to a training meeting for Relief Society and had my home teachers come over to share a message with me. The first thing I want to say is that the church is so amazing by having these programs where we can gather together to nourish and enrich one another. I am so grateful to be surrounded by people that have the same beliefs as me and that help me to be a better person everyday. God definitely knows what we need in life and He knows exactly how to bless us.
At the Relief Society meeting something that really stood out to me was the scripture that was mentioned in Alma 31:5 which summed up says that the word of God was more powerful than the sword in helping people to change their life. So, I relate that to my personal life because there are things that I need to do to change myself and the only way I can come closer to Christ and find lasting happiness is to allow the word of God to become a part of me. Only God knows what we need! There were many other inspirational talks and I felt the spirit teaching me and that is one of the greatest feelings I enjoy in life. Stacy Peters, who is the Stake Enrichment leader is such an amazing example to me of someone that is so optimistic and faithful. I want to be like her. Some of the attributes that she has that I admire is her ability to work hard, her devotion to the Savior and her love of the gospel. She loves others as the Savior does and I can feel her concern and love for me which helps me realize how genuine she truly is.
After the meeting Nick came over to share a home teaching message with me. He'll never know what an impact his message had on me. He shared his testimony of faith and how important it is for us to pray with extreme faith that God will provide, then act as if it was all up to us. I learned a great deal from his testimony and I'm so grateful that he's my home teacher. I am grateful that he took time out of his busy day to visit me and help me come closer to Christ. I do have a great faith in God's watchful eye in our lives. I do believe that He will help us to be successful when we put our trust in Him and go forward doing all we can to achieve our dreams and other things He wants for us. I know that challenges come to all people and that it is our opportunity to make the best out of our lives and learn from the boulders in our path. I am feeling very humbled today and I want to do whatever I need to to grow closer to my Savior and live my life in the way He would have me do it. The church is true! It is the spirit of God that has power to remind us of the Lord and help us become the people He wants us to be so that we can build His kingdom and prepare to build our own kingdoms in the future.
At the Relief Society meeting something that really stood out to me was the scripture that was mentioned in Alma 31:5 which summed up says that the word of God was more powerful than the sword in helping people to change their life. So, I relate that to my personal life because there are things that I need to do to change myself and the only way I can come closer to Christ and find lasting happiness is to allow the word of God to become a part of me. Only God knows what we need! There were many other inspirational talks and I felt the spirit teaching me and that is one of the greatest feelings I enjoy in life. Stacy Peters, who is the Stake Enrichment leader is such an amazing example to me of someone that is so optimistic and faithful. I want to be like her. Some of the attributes that she has that I admire is her ability to work hard, her devotion to the Savior and her love of the gospel. She loves others as the Savior does and I can feel her concern and love for me which helps me realize how genuine she truly is.
After the meeting Nick came over to share a home teaching message with me. He'll never know what an impact his message had on me. He shared his testimony of faith and how important it is for us to pray with extreme faith that God will provide, then act as if it was all up to us. I learned a great deal from his testimony and I'm so grateful that he's my home teacher. I am grateful that he took time out of his busy day to visit me and help me come closer to Christ. I do have a great faith in God's watchful eye in our lives. I do believe that He will help us to be successful when we put our trust in Him and go forward doing all we can to achieve our dreams and other things He wants for us. I know that challenges come to all people and that it is our opportunity to make the best out of our lives and learn from the boulders in our path. I am feeling very humbled today and I want to do whatever I need to to grow closer to my Savior and live my life in the way He would have me do it. The church is true! It is the spirit of God that has power to remind us of the Lord and help us become the people He wants us to be so that we can build His kingdom and prepare to build our own kingdoms in the future.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me!
I had a fascinating experience the other weekend while visiting some friends. I stayed the night and rummaged around this particular friends room, just some of the note papers he left out, and read them. I was very impressed with this individuals interests and goals in life. He had plans to attend the temple every week. He set a goal to live in the present and enjoy life in the stage he is currently at. I was also impressed with the notes he took at conference and how he was striving to live his life close to the Savior and follow the plan that He has for him. As I went home, I couldn't stop thinking about the respect that this friend had for the Savior and how it impacted him in the decisions he made and how he lived his life.
I then decided to study respect in the Book of Mormon and find out how the Savior wants us to show respect to Him. The scripture that first popped into my head is the first and great commandment that He gives us to "love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind... And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
So then I looked up the definition of respect vs. love in the dictionary:
Respect: esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability.
Love: a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
I concluded that respect is a prerequisite to loving another person. When the Savior asks us, or rather commands us to love others, it is important for us first to respect them. We must recognize their worth and their excellence and then we can develop that tender affection and care that He wants us to have. By doing these things we are able to fulfill the commandment to love others as ourselves.
My friend is a great example of showing respect to the Lord, to others and to himself and I am grateful to have an example like that in my life. The greatest example that all of us can look to though is Jesus Christ. He is the first one to recognize the qualities of another person. His love in unconditional. He knows our strengths and helps us to magnify them. I know that when I am feeling down or that I am not qualified He is able to give me strength and remind me of my abilities, and help me to overcome the minor challenges that I face everyday. He is the ultimate Respecter! He is the definition of love! He is the only one we can always look up to as being who we should strive to become.
I have just been overwhelmed lately with the concept of respect and desire to increase my respect for those around me. Everyone we encounter in our life deserves to be loved and respected by us. We have a command to find the good in others and learn to love them for it. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ who paved the way for me so I can have a more positive life and be able to find peace in my daily activities despite my weaknesses. I love the gospel with all my heart and although I make mistakes, I know that Heavenly Father loves me still and will help me to do learn and do what is right. The church is true!
I then decided to study respect in the Book of Mormon and find out how the Savior wants us to show respect to Him. The scripture that first popped into my head is the first and great commandment that He gives us to "love the Lord thy God with all they heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind... And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself."
So then I looked up the definition of respect vs. love in the dictionary:
Respect: esteem for or a sense of the worth or excellence of a person, a personal quality or ability, or something considered as a manifestation of a personal quality or ability.
Love: a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
I concluded that respect is a prerequisite to loving another person. When the Savior asks us, or rather commands us to love others, it is important for us first to respect them. We must recognize their worth and their excellence and then we can develop that tender affection and care that He wants us to have. By doing these things we are able to fulfill the commandment to love others as ourselves.
My friend is a great example of showing respect to the Lord, to others and to himself and I am grateful to have an example like that in my life. The greatest example that all of us can look to though is Jesus Christ. He is the first one to recognize the qualities of another person. His love in unconditional. He knows our strengths and helps us to magnify them. I know that when I am feeling down or that I am not qualified He is able to give me strength and remind me of my abilities, and help me to overcome the minor challenges that I face everyday. He is the ultimate Respecter! He is the definition of love! He is the only one we can always look up to as being who we should strive to become.
I have just been overwhelmed lately with the concept of respect and desire to increase my respect for those around me. Everyone we encounter in our life deserves to be loved and respected by us. We have a command to find the good in others and learn to love them for it. I am so grateful for Jesus Christ who paved the way for me so I can have a more positive life and be able to find peace in my daily activities despite my weaknesses. I love the gospel with all my heart and although I make mistakes, I know that Heavenly Father loves me still and will help me to do learn and do what is right. The church is true!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Follow the Prophet
I feel that for the most part of my life I have tried to make good decisions. I know that as I live closer the the spirit, it is not so difficult to do what is right. When I let the little things slip, such as, reading my scriptures daily, praying with a sincere heart, arriving on time to church, etc, it is easy to forget the reason behind the commandment and simply obey.
This conference was special to me because I was able to spend time with some of my mission friends that are from out of the country. One of my former companions is here from Madagascar and another sister I served with at the Washington DC Temple Visitors Center is visiting from Switzerland. As I was talking with this specific sister about her life in Europe, I was very touched at how strong she is in standing for what she believes and keeping the commandments in a place where the majority of the people think negatively about the church. She understands the reason behind the commandment and lives the gospel because she knows it is the way to have happiness in this life and to return to live Heavenly Father again. I know that those that keep the commandments in a society where it is not generally accepted have wonderful opportunities to allow their faith to grow and be a light to those around them.
So putting these two ideas together, this past week I have realized again the importance of keeping the simple commandments, living the gospel for the correct reason, and how we need to heed the counsel of the Prophet and Apostles because they do speak for God. I know that they do reveal what Heavenly Father would say to us if He could speak directly to us today. I am grateful that we know that revelation exists today and that God loves us so much, He would never leave us without direction and guidance. I have recommitted myself to doing the small things that the Prophet (speaker for God) asks because I know that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise". (Alma 37:6) I know that recommitting to follow the Prophet and doing the simple things that Heavenly Father asks will bring joy to us daily and we will feel God's love and acceptance more ofthen. I know the Church is true!
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